GUILFORD COLLEGE READING WILDERNESS PROGRAM

ASSUMPTION OF RISK, RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND

HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT

THIS IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT. READ IT CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING.

  1. I understand and accept that traveling abroad pursuant to the Guilford College Reading Wilderness Program (the “Program”)

exposes me to many risks and dangers. Some of the risks which may be present or occur include, but are not limited to:

  • the hazards of traveling by van and canoe;
  • physical exertion associated with travel and activities undertaken while abroad
  • exposure to infectious, communicable and other diseases
  • loss of valuable personal property
  • false imprisonment
  • emotional distress arising out of wilderness travel or activities undertaken while abroad
  • loss of opportunity to transact personal business
  • injury resulting from medical care or treatment received while abroad
  • injury resulting from natural disasters or acts of God

2. I understand and accept that these risks expose me to, but are not limited to, the following consequences: death, serious neck and spinal injuries which may result in complete or partial paralysis, brain damage, serious injury to my musculoskeletal system, injuries arising from the contraction of infectious, communicable or other diseases, injuries arising from emotional or psychological disorders and serious injury to other aspects of my general health and well being. I also understand that the risks in participating in the Program include not only the foregoing physical injuries, but also impairment of my future abilities to earn a living, to engage in business, social, educational, and recreational activities, and generally to enjoy life.

Additionally, I understand that participation in the Reading Wilderness program is physically demanding and involves extended backcountry travel in a remote area. In the event of injury or illness, medical attention may be hours or days away. A partial list of potential hazards on this particular program includes automobile travel; lifting and carrying heavy packs and canoes over uneven terrain; extensive exposure to direct sunlight; abundant mosquitoes and other insects; unpredictable weather (including lightning storms, wind storms, and freezing temperatures); and cold, fast-moving water. Possible injuries include those to limbs, joints, head, neck or back; electrocution, hypothermia, and drowning.

3.Understanding the above-mentioned risks, and understanding that participation in this Program may subject me to rigorous physical exertion, I hereby state that I am physically fit to participate in this activity.

4.IN CONSIDERATION OF MY BEING PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM, AND AS A CONDITION OF THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM, I PERSONALLY ASSUME ALL RISKS INCIDENT TO SUCH ACTIVITIES. I ALSO WAIVE, RELEASE AND FOREVER DISCHARGE GUILFORD COLLEGE AND ANY OF ITS EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS FROM ALL LIABILITIES, LOSSES, DAMAGES, CLAIMS, ACTIONS, CAUSES OF ACTION, DEMANDS OR COSTS OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER THAT MAY ARISE IN CONNECTION WITH MY TRAVEL TO OR PARTICIPATION IN SUCH PROGRAM (INCLUDING RESCUE ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROGRAM), WHETHER CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE COLLEGE, ITS EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS OR CAUSED BY SOME OTHER MEANS. I HEREBY AGREE NOT TO FILE SUIT AGAINST GUILFORDCOLLEGE OR ANY OF ITS EMPLOYEES. I AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD THE COLLEGE AND ITS EMPLOYEEES HARMLESS FROM ALL LIABILITIES, LOSSES, DAMAGES, CLAIMS, ACTIONS, CAUSES OF ACTION, DEMANDS OR COSTS OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER THAT MAY ARISE IN CONNECTION WITH MY TRAVEL TO OR PARTICIPATION IN SUCH ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING RESCUE ACTIVITIES, WHETHER CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE COLLEGE, OR ITS EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS OR CAUSED BY SOME OTHER MEANS. THE TERMS OF THIS DOCUMENT SHALL BIND ME, MY HEIRS AND PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES.

5.This Program is not a College requirement. I have freely chosen to participate.

6.Prior to signing this document, I have had an adequate opportunity to read and understand it, have had an opportunity to ask questions about it, and any questions I have had have been answered to my satisfaction. I further state that I am ____ years old and competent to sign this document.

______

SignaturePrinted Name Date

Sworn to and subscribed before me,

this, the ____ day of ______20__.

______My commission expires on:______

Notary Public

Note: If the student is younger than 18, a parent’s signature is required.

I am the parent or guardian of the participant identified above and who is under eighteen years of age. I have carefully read this document, fully understand its contents, and sign it voluntarily. I agree to indemnify and to hold Guilford College and its employees harmless for any liability arising out of claims which may arise from my child’s participation in the Guilford College Study Abroad Program or arising out of claims or suits made by the participant against Guilford College and its employees.

______

Parent’s Signature

Sworn to and subscribed before me,

this, the _____day of ______, 20__.

______

Notary Public

My commission expires on:______